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Greenjuice
Guest
Get rid of the dog.:dizzy:
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melbj
Guest
My daughter is 5 1/2. She had allergy testing a few years ago and determined she had a severe reaction to dogs, and dogs only.
On top of that her allergic reaction will trigger her asthma. Her only asthma triggers are dogs (mainly), respiratory sickness, and sometimes cold air (not often though.) Her asthma is virtually non-existent in the Summer even if she has been around dogs.
My question is this:
What are your thoughts on someone becoming immune to a dog that is in their home?
On top of that her allergic reaction will trigger her asthma. Her only asthma triggers are dogs (mainly), respiratory sickness, and sometimes cold air (not often though.) Her asthma is virtually non-existent in the Summer even if she has been around dogs.
My question is this:
What are your thoughts on someone becoming immune to a dog that is in their home?
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Machaon
Guest
I have asthma and my worst allergy is to dogs. So, we figured that poodles wouldn't be too bad for allergies, so for the post 30 years we've had at least one poodle in our home. During that time, I fought all kinRAB of health problems, not just my asthma.
We just put our last poodle pet to sleep. We are dog free in our home, and I am nearing age 70. A lot of my health problems have disappeared. I am no longer sluggish, I have much more energy than I have had for decades, and I just feel GREAT. I feel more lively, more attentive, more clearer thinking and just better all over.
I never thought that my body could feel this good. If I had only known that the dog was not just effecting my Asthma, but my overall health, I would never, EVER have had a pet anywhere near my home.
At least it isn't too late for me to enjoy this second chance at a quality existence!
Is your daughter showing any other signs of health problems, sluggishness, sleeplessness, etc., or are the symptoms just limited to breathing problems?
We just put our last poodle pet to sleep. We are dog free in our home, and I am nearing age 70. A lot of my health problems have disappeared. I am no longer sluggish, I have much more energy than I have had for decades, and I just feel GREAT. I feel more lively, more attentive, more clearer thinking and just better all over.
I never thought that my body could feel this good. If I had only known that the dog was not just effecting my Asthma, but my overall health, I would never, EVER have had a pet anywhere near my home.
At least it isn't too late for me to enjoy this second chance at a quality existence!
Is your daughter showing any other signs of health problems, sluggishness, sleeplessness, etc., or are the symptoms just limited to breathing problems?
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Titchou
Guest
As someone who has had alelrgies all her life - almost 64 years - and who first went to an ENT when she was 11 (there were no allergists back then and certainly no pediatric alelrgists!) I say keep the dog and control the allergy. I never wanted my life defined by or limited by my allergies. It was insulting - even as an 11 year old I understood what was going on. I had many health issues as a child and my mother elected to deal with them in a manner that was best for her...rather than me. As a result, I had to face some things once an adult that should have been handled easily when I was a child. Now everything is under control - has been for years - and I am bettter for it.
And no, I never forgave her because she never asked for forgiveness. She still felt she was right in spite of what I went thru....
(Sorry about the rant but it was years before I felt I controlled my life and my environment as a result of the things my mother did or didn't do with regard to my health. It's important to grow up knowing you are in control - not that you are too weak - or sickly - to be trusted to do so.)
And no, I never forgave her because she never asked for forgiveness. She still felt she was right in spite of what I went thru....
(Sorry about the rant but it was years before I felt I controlled my life and my environment as a result of the things my mother did or didn't do with regard to my health. It's important to grow up knowing you are in control - not that you are too weak - or sickly - to be trusted to do so.)
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Titchou
Guest
What meRAB is she on? Have they helped? what kind of dog? Lots of questions. I'm extremely allergic to cats but have a long haired one. Took injections, take Zyrtec, Flovent and do very well.
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rosequartz
Guest
I agree....keep the dog and control the allergy
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Machaon
Guest
Yet, if you see, just on this thread, how many adults do not have their allergies, or their kiRAB allergies under control, and are still suffering greatly, one wonders if it is really worth the health risk to the child to play games with their worst, most health injuring allergies.
I'd rather my child blame me for losing her pet, than blame me for allowing her to become seriously ill. Parents have to make tough decisions, but the decisions always must be in the best interest of the child.
El Doggy, must go and sniff butt in greener pastures.
I'd rather my child blame me for losing her pet, than blame me for allowing her to become seriously ill. Parents have to make tough decisions, but the decisions always must be in the best interest of the child.
El Doggy, must go and sniff butt in greener pastures.
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Titchou
Guest
Why not control the allergy and keep the dog? Isn't that what allergy control is all about - so you can still "smell the flowers?"
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Misty800
Guest
My vote is "YES" get rid of the dog. Your daughter's life is more important. Give the dog to someone that loves pets and does not have allergy problems.
We should always put our childrens health above pets.
My newborn granRABon was allergic to cats, had rapid breathing, obviously struggling for his little life. My son took way too long to get rid of the cat in my opinion. However, as soon as the cat was gone and everything cleaned well his breathing returned to normal and he is now a vivacious 3 year old. I took care of him for couple weeks when he was 4 weeks old. It broke my heart to see him struggle with rapid breathing and his little heart racing. I had to keep track of his breathing, that is, count his breaths per minute and report to his dad off and on during the day so his dad could consult with the doctor.
The old saying that says every child should have a pet is not true, some children simply cannot survive with a pet around.
We should always put our childrens health above pets.
My newborn granRABon was allergic to cats, had rapid breathing, obviously struggling for his little life. My son took way too long to get rid of the cat in my opinion. However, as soon as the cat was gone and everything cleaned well his breathing returned to normal and he is now a vivacious 3 year old. I took care of him for couple weeks when he was 4 weeks old. It broke my heart to see him struggle with rapid breathing and his little heart racing. I had to keep track of his breathing, that is, count his breaths per minute and report to his dad off and on during the day so his dad could consult with the doctor.
The old saying that says every child should have a pet is not true, some children simply cannot survive with a pet around.
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Machaon
Guest
Well said!
If there is one chance out of a thousand that the child's health is at risk, or her quality of life is lessened, then serious consideration should be given in favor of the child over the dog.
I also wouldn't want to take the chance of getting a cat, to replace the dog. Allergies to both dogs and cats are very common, regardless of the test results.
Needless to say, sometimes parting with a pet can be emotionally devastating and take a long time to get over.
If there is one chance out of a thousand that the child's health is at risk, or her quality of life is lessened, then serious consideration should be given in favor of the child over the dog.
I also wouldn't want to take the chance of getting a cat, to replace the dog. Allergies to both dogs and cats are very common, regardless of the test results.
Needless to say, sometimes parting with a pet can be emotionally devastating and take a long time to get over.
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melbj
Guest
We had a 5 pound dachshund from spring of '08 until end of Summer '09. My daughter's allergies (sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, purple/red under eyes, etc..) went away completely within a few months. She had no asthma at that time except during the winter when it usually comes about.
Everytime the cold weather hits (aka: winter) her asthma comes back. The problem is...we don't know if it's the dog causing her asthma, or the cold weather, being sick, etc...
We have had the new dog about a week, and my daughter has not 'reacted' to the dog. The first day her eyes were a little red but that was it. There was no asthma the first few days. Then this past friday she became sick with something (viral presumably) and got a 102 fever. Her asthma of course acted up as it always has.
Our belief, and it appears we aren't the only ones that believe this, is that she will become immune to THIS dog.
Another issue is that she started school this year. Her classroom has carpet, and several students in a small area. You can bet 90% or more of them have dogs, and bring the dander to school with them. Her asthma was acting up as soon as she started school this year (so since around Sept.).
She can't escape dog allergies. They are everywhere. Everywhere we go people have dander on them, or in the homes, etc...
We need a solution to her dog problem whether we have a dog in the house or not.
Another thing worth noting is that after we got our first Dachshund (the 5pounder) my daughter, after a few months, stopped reacting to foreign dogs as much as she used too. That was a significant improvement for her, and we contribute that to having a dog in our home all the time.
Everytime the cold weather hits (aka: winter) her asthma comes back. The problem is...we don't know if it's the dog causing her asthma, or the cold weather, being sick, etc...
We have had the new dog about a week, and my daughter has not 'reacted' to the dog. The first day her eyes were a little red but that was it. There was no asthma the first few days. Then this past friday she became sick with something (viral presumably) and got a 102 fever. Her asthma of course acted up as it always has.
Our belief, and it appears we aren't the only ones that believe this, is that she will become immune to THIS dog.
Another issue is that she started school this year. Her classroom has carpet, and several students in a small area. You can bet 90% or more of them have dogs, and bring the dander to school with them. Her asthma was acting up as soon as she started school this year (so since around Sept.).
She can't escape dog allergies. They are everywhere. Everywhere we go people have dander on them, or in the homes, etc...
We need a solution to her dog problem whether we have a dog in the house or not.
Another thing worth noting is that after we got our first Dachshund (the 5pounder) my daughter, after a few months, stopped reacting to foreign dogs as much as she used too. That was a significant improvement for her, and we contribute that to having a dog in our home all the time.
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melbj
Guest
Thank you for the helpful responses thus far. I really appreciate it.
She cannot avoid dog allergies. As I said, they are everywhere since most families do have dogs.
What we are proposing doing is doing everything we possible can to make living at home as comfortable as possible. I am a stay at home mom, and clean everyday very throughly. The dog is bathed twice a week, has AllerPet on it, and is brushed with the Furminator (a little overkill since the dog is a smooth/shorthair). The dog's bedding, blankets and toys are all washed at least twice a week. I vaccum once a day, and keep the hardwood floors swept and mopped. Her room and in fact the whole upstairs is off limits to the dog. We are proposing getting her an expensive air cleaner for her room and keeping her room door shut. Her vent is also shut off in her room. She also frequently washes her hanRAB and face and never bawks about it. Just been her way of life.
This is what is baffling to me. She brings home more dog dander from going to her friend's house or my parent's, aunt's house, etc... than our own dog has in her OWN home. And same with people coming INTO our home. They have way more dander on them. We cannot keep the dog allergen out of our home. It is impossible, and quite impractical. IMO, she is around way more dog dander 8 hours at school everyday than here in her own home.
My husband and I are still discussing the dog and whether we should keep it or not. You must understand that we feel keeping the dog will help her. That is our belief, and the belief of many of my frienRAB with dogs that are allergic as well. They also believe she will become immune to the dog in the home. Which we, again, believe happened with our previous dog.
She cannot avoid dog allergies. As I said, they are everywhere since most families do have dogs.
What we are proposing doing is doing everything we possible can to make living at home as comfortable as possible. I am a stay at home mom, and clean everyday very throughly. The dog is bathed twice a week, has AllerPet on it, and is brushed with the Furminator (a little overkill since the dog is a smooth/shorthair). The dog's bedding, blankets and toys are all washed at least twice a week. I vaccum once a day, and keep the hardwood floors swept and mopped. Her room and in fact the whole upstairs is off limits to the dog. We are proposing getting her an expensive air cleaner for her room and keeping her room door shut. Her vent is also shut off in her room. She also frequently washes her hanRAB and face and never bawks about it. Just been her way of life.
This is what is baffling to me. She brings home more dog dander from going to her friend's house or my parent's, aunt's house, etc... than our own dog has in her OWN home. And same with people coming INTO our home. They have way more dander on them. We cannot keep the dog allergen out of our home. It is impossible, and quite impractical. IMO, she is around way more dog dander 8 hours at school everyday than here in her own home.
My husband and I are still discussing the dog and whether we should keep it or not. You must understand that we feel keeping the dog will help her. That is our belief, and the belief of many of my frienRAB with dogs that are allergic as well. They also believe she will become immune to the dog in the home. Which we, again, believe happened with our previous dog.
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melbj
Guest
This is absolutely devistating to me as her Mother.
But the worst part of it...the asthma...she does have a good chance of outgrowing
Question:
Would this behavior be from Asthma or other reactions? At this point she is not having any 'reaction' besides asthma, but we believe this is because she is sick.
Hope that question makes sense.
But the worst part of it...the asthma...she does have a good chance of outgrowing
Question:
Would this behavior be from Asthma or other reactions? At this point she is not having any 'reaction' besides asthma, but we believe this is because she is sick.
Hope that question makes sense.
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Machaon
Guest
Yes..... I actually agree with you on this issue, so to speak. In a perfect world, where childhood compliance is likely, and where her environment and lifestyle can be made somewhat clinically pure, allergy control is possible. Otherwise it is a losing battle and the child pays the price.
Sadly, children do not always communicate very well with adults. Error on the side of what is best for the health of the child, and toss the mutt to the curb!
In this case: Lassie DON'T come home!
Sadly, children do not always communicate very well with adults. Error on the side of what is best for the health of the child, and toss the mutt to the curb!
In this case: Lassie DON'T come home!
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Machaon
Guest
This just goes to prove, what is good for one, isn't necessarily good for another. One man's pleasure is another man's poison.
One thing to keep in mind, melbj. Your daughter will NEVER become totally immune to dogs, IMHO. Her body will build up a resistance to dogs, yes, but her body will always have to struggle to overcome the attack on her system from Dog Allergen, and she will pay the price for this resistance/struggle. If you notice behavior problems, or other unexplained health issues, laziness, doing poorly in school, etc., reconsider having a dog so close to your daughter.
At any rate, best wishes melbj, and best of luck for your daughter's health and future. :wave:
One thing to keep in mind, melbj. Your daughter will NEVER become totally immune to dogs, IMHO. Her body will build up a resistance to dogs, yes, but her body will always have to struggle to overcome the attack on her system from Dog Allergen, and she will pay the price for this resistance/struggle. If you notice behavior problems, or other unexplained health issues, laziness, doing poorly in school, etc., reconsider having a dog so close to your daughter.
At any rate, best wishes melbj, and best of luck for your daughter's health and future. :wave:
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Titchou
Guest
Machaon: Where do you get that she will never get over the dog allergy? I am severely allergic to cats - and I sleep with a long haired one. When my long time doctor retired, I did a lot of research to find a new one - I did not like the one who took over his practice and I was beginning to have problems again as my previous round of shots was wearing off...which they can do. When I found out the doc who all the docs at the med school here go to, I had full allergy testing and pulmonary function testing. When we sat down to discuss the results, he said "Cat are a top allergy for you and I see you have cats. Can we keep them out of the bedroom?" I replied: "I have a 10 x 13 color portrait made at the pet photography studio of the long haired male." He then replied: "I guess we figure out how to keep the cat in the bedroom." He was "hired" immediately. He understood and took the challenge. And 13 years later I'm still sleeping with that cat and have no problems. So, one can control it...it just takes work....in my case shots and zyrtec.
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Titchou
Guest
By "control the allergy" I mean proper medication/treatment - not avoiding the allergen. Honey, if I tried to avoid everything I am allergic to, I would live in a bubble. Sorry, not how I want to live my life. I've been on the 5 year shot regimen 3times in my life and I'd do it again. And zyrtec when needed, stay very compliant with my asthma meRAB, premedicate before cardio. All is well. Small price to pay to work in my yard, have my cat or dog or both!, mow my own grass, go to public events, etc. That's what I mean by control the allergy - you're recommending controlling the environment - big difference.
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Machaon
Guest
First of all,..... who am I. I am just a fellow allergy sufferer, with an opinion based on my own understanding of allergies and my own experiences. The most important opinion is your own, for you are going to be responsible for protecting your child from things that you can neither see or understand, or things that you can see. Not an easy job!
Your daughter might not be able to understand why she feels a certain way, and not be able to tell that her lack of energy, or sluggishness, is not a normal way of feeling.
To understand, you need to understand how allergies and the Immune System and the NeuroHormonal System co-exist. When you come into contact with an allergen, like the odor of a dog, the Immune System and the NeuroHormonal Systems pumps chemicals (cytokines, hormones) into the body. It's this "protective" chemical mix that makes allergy sufferers feel so bad, and feel like they have a cold. These body chemicals can cause an inordinate amount of stress and discomfort on one's body, and lead to behavior problems, sluggishness, not feeling well (malaise), mental confusion, hyperactivity, etc.
As one "outgrows" an allergy, all it means, IMHO, is that the body has been able to prevent a sinus or asthma attack through the release of sufficient body chemicals. So...... instead of having an allergic reaction to a pet, the body is going to react to the chemicals. When you are young and your immune system and metabolism is strong, you don't have as severe a reaction to these body chemicals. When you get up there in age, like me nearing 70, with a weakening immune system,etc., you can really notice the negative impact of these excess body chemicals. :dizzy:
My Asthma and Sinus problems are under reasonable control via Flovent. My main problem is with the excess body chemicals, which make me sick as a dog (pardon the expression).
Poor little tyke. I hope that she recovers quickly and is up and about and driving her parents nuts once again!
Here is my bottom line: The closer the contact with the offending allergy, be it pet or other irritant, the worse it is for the allergy sufferer. If the dog is anywhere in the home, it means that your daughter is ALWAYS being subjected to a full dose of dog allergy. You can close doors, you can lock the dog up in the basement. It doesn't matter, because tiny odors/allergens from the pet will somehow seep into her location and constantly attack her Immune System. Her tiny little body's Immune System will never have a chance to rest and recover as long as the dog is anywhere in the home.
I'm sure that you've heard the story of a child on a plane in first class that has an extreme allergic reaction to a peanut being eaten near the back of the plane. This is the way that allergies work, except in many cases the reaction isn't as severe. All it takes is an absurdly tiny, trace amount of allergen to set off the allergic/Immune System process.
So..... the ball is in your court. Do you want to take the chance that the dog allergy is not negatively effecting your daughter? Are you a betting or garabling person? Would it not be just simpler to not take even the slightest chance, with your daughter's health and well-being, and get rid of the dog before your daughter forms a stronger bond with the dog? How do you know for sure that the dog isn't worsening her current health problem?
Best of luck to your family and your child.
Take care................. :wave:
Your daughter might not be able to understand why she feels a certain way, and not be able to tell that her lack of energy, or sluggishness, is not a normal way of feeling.
To understand, you need to understand how allergies and the Immune System and the NeuroHormonal System co-exist. When you come into contact with an allergen, like the odor of a dog, the Immune System and the NeuroHormonal Systems pumps chemicals (cytokines, hormones) into the body. It's this "protective" chemical mix that makes allergy sufferers feel so bad, and feel like they have a cold. These body chemicals can cause an inordinate amount of stress and discomfort on one's body, and lead to behavior problems, sluggishness, not feeling well (malaise), mental confusion, hyperactivity, etc.
As one "outgrows" an allergy, all it means, IMHO, is that the body has been able to prevent a sinus or asthma attack through the release of sufficient body chemicals. So...... instead of having an allergic reaction to a pet, the body is going to react to the chemicals. When you are young and your immune system and metabolism is strong, you don't have as severe a reaction to these body chemicals. When you get up there in age, like me nearing 70, with a weakening immune system,etc., you can really notice the negative impact of these excess body chemicals.
:dizzy:My Asthma and Sinus problems are under reasonable control via Flovent. My main problem is with the excess body chemicals, which make me sick as a dog (pardon the expression).
Poor little tyke. I hope that she recovers quickly and is up and about and driving her parents nuts once again!
Here is my bottom line: The closer the contact with the offending allergy, be it pet or other irritant, the worse it is for the allergy sufferer. If the dog is anywhere in the home, it means that your daughter is ALWAYS being subjected to a full dose of dog allergy. You can close doors, you can lock the dog up in the basement. It doesn't matter, because tiny odors/allergens from the pet will somehow seep into her location and constantly attack her Immune System. Her tiny little body's Immune System will never have a chance to rest and recover as long as the dog is anywhere in the home.
I'm sure that you've heard the story of a child on a plane in first class that has an extreme allergic reaction to a peanut being eaten near the back of the plane. This is the way that allergies work, except in many cases the reaction isn't as severe. All it takes is an absurdly tiny, trace amount of allergen to set off the allergic/Immune System process.
So..... the ball is in your court. Do you want to take the chance that the dog allergy is not negatively effecting your daughter? Are you a betting or garabling person? Would it not be just simpler to not take even the slightest chance, with your daughter's health and well-being, and get rid of the dog before your daughter forms a stronger bond with the dog? How do you know for sure that the dog isn't worsening her current health problem?
Best of luck to your family and your child.
Take care................. :wave:
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Titchou
Guest
No matter what you decide to do, the important thing to keep in mind is that you should never, never make your child feel that it is her "fault" that you are having to get rid of an animal you love, that her illness "keeps you" from doing something you want/need to do, that she is in any way "repsonsible" for a negative impact on the family. She'll end up keeping health things from you until she's so bad off that she neeRAB extra care, even hospitalization. That's what happened with me as a child...I felt so responsible for "ruining" things for my family because of illness out of my control. It's way too heavy a burden for a child....